Everton chairman Bill Kenwright shut down plans yesterday of signing Tottenham winger David Bentley, it has been revealed.

The Independent says Manchester City boss Mark Hughes wanted Bentley at City because of his great belief in the winger's ability to give Roque Santa Cruz the kind of service which allowed him to thrive in the season before last at Blackburn.

David Moyes was also understood to be interested in Bentley, but his enthusiasm for the player was not reciprocated by the Everton chairman Kenwright who was not keen on the winger.

And in the end, Bentley stayed at White Hart Lane.